How’s That Ego Doing?

I recently contributed to an article discussing setting rates for web design work. I’ve written about this a few times, and have several years experience doing  it. This is challenging for those just starting out, so I felt really good about being a part of it. Unlike many articles on the topic, actual numbers were discussed along with practices, making it a lot more useful to people trying to set their own rates. So when I discovered from my site tracking that I’d gotten over a thousand visitors from the article, I was psyched.

That is, until I went there and read the comments…uh…it was a bloodbath. Continue reading How’s That Ego Doing?

Happy to Have Hubby Around

My husband is not working. And while there are definitely downsides, there are a number of things to appreciate as well.

  • I love spending every day with him again. We used to work together, and it was great. It’s reminded me of how much I miss that.
  • He’s so much happier than he’s been in a long time. It’s wonderful to see him healthy, well-rested, and not stressed. That makes me happy.
  • Other transitions are easier with him nearby. My daughter just moved cross-country, and I miss her tremendously. It hasn’t been nearly as hard as it would have been without him here with me as much as he is now.
  • He’s taken on a number of tasks around the house I was managing before. This took me almost no time to adjust to and has made my life a lot easier.
  • He’s had time to pursue some of his other interests and this makes me happy, too.
  • It’s a great opportunity. How many times in your adult life do you get to take a few months off working?
  • We’re reconnecting. For the first time in twenty years, it’s just him and me. Watching our budget, we’re not going out much or running around much. We spend lots of time together, and it’s really wonderful to be able to do just that.
  • I am hoping he lands in a situation and place that leaves him feeling happy, valued and appreciated. Disconnecting from the old situation that was not working in that regard is required to make room for the new.

It’s just been a wonderful gift at a time that would have been more difficult in many ways without it, and I appreciate every moment I get to enjoy our time together.

Go Visit Zombies Uncensored!

My Husband’s been real busy over at his new blog, Zombies Uncensored.  Linked in the sidebar, Yo.

Zombies Uncensored is exposing the crazy in politics and life.

I worked very hard on the design, and he’s working very hard on the content. I’m proud of what he’s doing. If anybody can go over there and show a little support, it would mean a great deal to me.

My Baby Moved Out

It was harder than I thought. I figured I’m not over-involved with my kids, so empty nest would be no sweat. It’s been coming and going in waves. She’s about 12 hours away now, which is probably the hardest part. If she could come over every week for a visit or something, I don’t think it would feel the same. I’d probably have some sentimental moments, but it wouldn’t feel quite so hard.

I’ve done this before and it was hard, but in a totally different way. The other kid always steeled herself for moving out by complete disconnect emotionally before the fact for months. It hurt like Hell, but a totally different type of pain.

I’m happy for her, though, because she wants to live a grown up life and be on her own now, and I want for her to thrive. She’s kind, smart and funny, and she’s sane and sensible. She knows what boundaries are and how to love. I’ve given her the best start I knew how to, and I hope it will be enough to smooth her path.

That’s where my head and heart is at today: wishing my baby the best as she moves into her new life.  That was then…this is now.

Bailey Says Goodbye

Working Hard

I am, you know. Lots of extra work, so not a lot of time for philosophizing and reflection and such. If that’s good or bad, I don’t know. Just is, I guess.

Finding irony in that my daughter has discovered motivation on her way out. Feeling both excited for her moving into her “adult life” and sad for me since she’s going to be far away, very soon.

Some stress in my life now, but am handling it pretty fairly thusfar. Just part of being an adult, you know? Living and happy, and that makes good.

Peace out. Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday season. I’m sure trying to do the same.
Creative Commons License photo credit: id-iom